Strategic Development Lead — Major Gifts

CU Colorado Springs; Colorado Springs (CO); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation days 22

Sick days 10

Holidays 13

Parental leave

Educational benefits

Job summary

CU Colorado Springs is seeking an Associate Director of Development to lead fundraising across the University Development team. This exempt, full-time role focuses on major gifts, donor stewardship, and strategic engagement with alumni and supporters.

You will manage a portfolio of 90–120 prospects, collaborate with faculty and volunteers, and travel as needed (approx 15% out of state, 60% in state). The position emphasizes data integrity, reporting, and coordinating high-impact campaigns to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• 4+ years of higher education fundraising experience.
• Knowledge of Salesforce CRM and donor databases.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint; strong written/verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Raise philanthropic support to meet goals.
• Identify and manage donor portfolios (90-120 prospects).
• Cultivate and solicit major gifts; engage corporate/foundation donors.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and volunteers on fundraising strategies.
• Maintain donor data integrity and produce reports on gift activities.
• Represent the university at events; coordinate engagement initiatives.

Skills

Donor relations

Communication skills

Portfolio management

Strategy development

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Salesforce CRM

Microsoft Office

Job description

CU Colorado Springs is seeking an Associate Director of Development to lead fundraising across the University Development team. This exempt, full-time role focuses on major gifts, donor stewardship, and strategic engagement with alumni and supporters.

You will manage a portfolio of 90–120 prospects, collaborate with faculty and volunteers, and travel as needed (approx 15% out of state, 60% in state). The position emphasizes data integrity, reporting, and coordinating high-impact campaigns to